Surely we have all heard the stories of women who give birth that were completely unaware that they were even pregnant. Going through a whole 9 month’s pregnancy unaware instead of suffering months of morning sickness, aching and cravings would be considered a blessing by many women. For most women, pregnancy symptoms can start as early as 2 weeks after conception. In addition to buying a pregnancy test, there are many sure signs of pregnancy if you know what to look for.
Hormonal Changes
One of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy to appear is swollen, tender breasts, which is brought about by hormonal changes. In addition to tender and swollen, breasts can be sore and/or tingly and may already begin to feel heavier and fuller.
10-14 days after conception the embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall and sometimes, cramping and slight bleeding can occur. This sort of bleeding is termed “implantation bleeding” and it can be distinguished from menstrual bleeding since implantation bleeding is shorter in duration, spottier and lighter colored than menstrual blood. Cramping associated with implantation is difficult to distinguish from menstrual cramping at this point.
In the earlier stages in a pregnancy, the progesterone levels increase dramatically. Progesterone is a hormone that can make you sleep if you get a high enough dose. This is one of the primary reasons why fatigue is a very common early symptom of pregnancy. While progesterone levels climb, blood pressure and blood sugar levels decrease to encourage fatigue.
The Effect of Hormones
Along with hormonal changes that are brought on by pregnancy, many women are plagued by headaches early in pregnancy. The hormonal changes bring about increased blood flow and circulation to trigger generally mild but frequent headaches. Hormonal changes are also responsible for mood swings apparent during the first trimester in many pregnant women. Hormonal changes are also the culprit responsible for food aversions and food cravings. During the first trimester especially, hormones wreak havoc on most pregnant women’s diet, emotional state and physical feelings.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is probably the most familiar, classic symptom of pregnancy. Some women never suffer morning sickness and for some it begins very early, may be as early as two weeks after conception. It is thought that there are two causes of morning sickness (which by the way can cause nausea any time day or night). Pregnancy causes women to have an increased sense of smell and it seems that the increase in odors may result in nausea. Also, the stomach empties slower during pregnancy due to increasing levels of estrogen. It is thought that the slower emptying of the stomach may result in nausea as well as a heightened sense of smell. Due to food passing more slowly through the digestive system, constipation can occur.
For those who chart basal body temperature, an elevated temperature for a period longer than 14 days may indicate pregnancy.
There are many pregnancy indicators, some women experience them all and there are a very few who apparently experience none.
